By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to consolidate peace and address the root causes of insecurity in the South-East.
Aneke made the call at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026 held on Thursday in Umuahia, Abia State, with the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the summit was convened by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, while the keynote address was delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.).
Speaking at the event, the Air Chief described the summit as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region.
He commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that despite recent security challenges, the South-East remains a key commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria.
Aneke assured participants that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), alongside other security agencies, remained committed to protecting lives and restoring peace across the region.
“The Nigerian Air Force, along with its sister services and other security agencies, stands firmly with you in fighting insecurity. We are dedicated to ensuring that criminal elements no longer take the peace and economy of this region for granted,” he said.
He disclosed that the Armed Forces had intensified joint operations in the South-East, with the NAF providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision air strikes and close air support to ground troops.
According to him, the operations have significantly degraded the operational capacity and mobility of criminal groups while creating a safer environment for residents and businesses.
The Air Chief, however, stressed that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace.
“Bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity. While military operations are necessary to create a secure environment, true and enduring peace requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
He urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and socio-cultural organisations to deepen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that would discourage them from embracing crime and violence.
Aneke also appealed to residents of the region to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.
He encouraged members of the public to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” describing community cooperation as vital to sustaining security gains.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives aimed at building trust between the military and the public.
“We are not an occupying force; we are your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, dedicated to protecting the territorial integrity of our homeland,” he said.
Aneke expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical recommendations to strengthen regional security, promote economic development and preserve the South-East’s position as a centre of commerce and innovation.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to remain vigilant and committed to restoring peace and security to every part of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
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